TRIP INCIDENTS
- Big Ben range via Thirteen Mile Bush 13 May: One participant was not physically sufficiently well prepared and slowed progress very considerably. That and a (relatively minor) navigational error led to substantial delays, the trip finishing well after dark. The large group rallied around to help the underprepared participant and nearly everyone had head lamps, so no harm accrued. The trip leader will recalibrate his checks on participant fitness. No further action taken.
- Big Ben range via Thirteen Mile Bush 13 May: The day after the trip, a participant tested positive for Covid, having shown no symptoms during the tramp. Participants who shared a car with that person were informed. All other trip participants were told that an anonymous person in a different car had tested positive. None of the other participants became ill. No further action taken.
- Otehake Hot Pools 13 May: A participant dislocated a left-hand finger at roughly 45-degrees. With no medical experience in the party, no attempt was made to relocate the finger. The hand was bandaged and elevated under a jacket, Codeine was administered, and the participant was assisted with walking as necessary. The participant later found that the finger had relocated without pain. A&E to Hokitika or Greymouth was discussed but, ultimately, not sought. The participant drove home, later reporting “I walked another hour mowing lawns and finger is fine. A bit swollen but Dr friend not seeing any need for attention … not broken.” Appropriate responses, good outcome, no further action taken.
- Lake Daniell 13 May: A cooking pot vibrated off a burner, spilling boiling water onto the bench and floor. Two people preparing meals jumped clear without getting splashed. No harm occurred. Actions – burner/pot combinations should be appropriately matched. Large pots need to have suitably large and stable burners.
- Annavale/Thirteen Mile Bush Circuit 27 May: Through Thirteen Mile Bush, there were many windfallen trees and several participants bumped foreheads or scalps. Injuries were superficial, except for one participant who suffered a more serious gash with copious bleeding. Others administered first aid and carried the injured party’s pack, and car occupation was rearranged to facilitate the casualty’s rapid transport back to Christchurch. She chose not to go to A&E but consulted a doctor on the next day. The wound required no further attention. Appropriate responses, good outcome, no further action taken. Every party should carry suitable first-aid equipment and materials.
APPROPRIATE GEAR
A multi-day summer trip unexpectedly involved a traverse of a steep snow slope with, reportedly, no safe runout. Two party members had no ice axes. One of those two was wearing trail runners, unsuitable for snow, and had no alpine experience above a beginner’s snow craft course. The slope was negotiated without an accident by participants supporting each other and running ice axes back to others. In alpine conditions it is necessary that prevailing conditions be researched and that there is enough technical gear to support the safety of all members. Do not assume that every participant has appropriate experience and is aware of what they will need. Runners are rarely suitable for untracked, backcountry routes.
APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOUR
The CTC is a very diverse club with people from all over the world and with different backgrounds, experiences and degrees of levels tramping experience and aptitude.
- Occasionally, some members of a party may unhappy other members’ ability or preparation, but it is unacceptable for them to express their views aggressively or disdainfully. Advice should be kind and constructive. In the first instance, if the problem is sufficiently serious, how are we going to deal with it (encouragement, have a rest, lend gear, provide food, water, first-aid, physical support etc.)? Later, or if there is no immediate risk, what could be done in future (alternative trip choices, fitness programmes, gear purchases, training etc.). If any participant berates or belittles (i.e bullies) another member of the party, you should demand that they desist, and you should report the incident to the Club Captain.
- In past decades/centuries/millennia, the ridicule of others based on ethnicity, culture, sex, gender identity or life choices (racism, sexism and the like) was regarded as a valid source of mirth. Thankfully, those days are gone, and the CTC does not tolerate such behaviour. If anyone involved in a CTC activity is heard to slip into such archaic and unacceptable practices, they should be immediately called to account (blame the Club Captain if you like) and the incident should be reported to the Club Captain. Note that this is not limited to cases where the activity includes members of the group that might be regarded as directly subject to the “ism” – prejudice is unacceptable and hurtful under all circumstances.